The West Corner of the World

I can’t believe that I have updated this since the 14th, oh my goodness(says the Gramma, with much *chagrin*)  We have been following the rising career of my grandson, Bryson, the jockey.  We have watched him on TV(the racing channel on Dish, at our daughter Allison’s house), went on-line to find out how he did in all of his races, and sent family to go watch him!  I think Jim will get to go watch him this Tuesday(wish I could go:(

Jim was helping Mom put her earrings in this morning(her hands still have a touch of neuropathy from the chemo she had last year).  Poor Mom, he had her ear stretched out like a bat wing!

Jim helping(well, yeah, okay, he was helping) the Mama!

Okay, Cathy you will appreciate this, here is a picture of Hilde(Tilbe) doing her imitation of “Garfield”

Tilbe the Pug doing her imitation of Garfield

The things that make my days really wonderful are always seeing God’s creation, be it mountains(my personal mountain, Mt Rainier), or animals, birds in the wild…On a really good day I see the mountain on the way home & then as I drive off the highway into Monte, on the off ramp, there is my friend, the hawk…He is so beautiful…Today on the way home from church, we saw him fly into the brush & go after some dinner.  He must have missed, cause he didn’t come up with anything.  I got a picture of him as he landed on the underside of the highway….Here, as I affectionately call him, is Hawkie…

My Friend, Hawkie!

I don’t think he likes his picture taken!  He is beautiful to look at..

We still are playing lots of Rummikub, what a fun game.  We need to have a game night soon & invite over some friends & have a tourney….:)

That’s it for today…love to the fam & friends!

I am so EXcited!!!  I was able to attend my Grandson, Bryson’s first race as an apprentice jockey(they are called ” a bug “

Here he is as he came in 3rd in his first race…(he is #5)

My Grandson Bryson's First Race as an Apprentice Jockey!

He came in third & the trainer & owner were both very pleased with how he handled the horse.  I’ve got to tell you that as the “jockey’s Grandmother”, I was a little weak in the knees when he started, but once I saw him coming down the homestretch I was yellin’ along with all the other folks there!  It was so exciting!  His Mom & step-dad Mike were overcome with emotion too!  What an exciting day for all of us!

Here are some pictures from our day(we couldn’t take pictures of Bry on the horse or racing, it was against the track rules)…

The Proud Mama(Allison) & the Jockey! Bryson

We are all so proud that Bryson is living the dream that he has had & been working diligently toward.  God has gifted Bryson for this…

Mike & Bryson(Mike's so proud he's bustin' his buttons!)

And this blog wouldn’t be complete without Gramma & Bry together too…

The Gram & The Jockey!

Papa wanted to be there too, but was unable to because of work.  We called him as soon as we could with the results…oh my gosh, I think I busted his eardrum I was soooo excited!

Allison & I went again for Bry’s race today.  He had to go a mile(once around the track this time).  His horse was out like a shot & he was in the lead for probably the first half of the race, then his horse gave out(the owner said this horse has a tendency to make a great start but flake out late in the race), so Bry came in 6th place.  Tomorrow he rides his 3rd race…so the story will continue.

Here’s a picture of Allison in front of Portland Meadows..

Allison at Portland Meadows